Thoughts on DC's 'New 52' "Earth 2" and a brief JSA history

Ever since DC relaunched their entire lineup with this 'New 52' thing back in August, a lot of stuff has happened. We have see these fictional titans of myth get a mega upgrade (or downgrading). Superman's costume has changed in both books, he's different in a lot of ways. And the same can be said for Batman as well, heck for all the characters. Now, we are getting an new look at an team of heroes who have been fighting the good fight since WWII. I am of course, talking about The Justice Society of America.

For those of you who read this blog, you may ask "who the heck is the Justice Society"? Well I'm glad you asked, because I'm gonna tell you.

The Justice Society of America or JSA, is by and large considered to be the first ever superhero team to appear in the comics. It featured many of the characters being published by All-American Comics and National Publications (who would join together in the mid 40's as one company). The original lineup, appearing in All Star Comics #3 consisted of Flash, Green Lantern, Hour-Man (original spelling of the name) Dr. Fate, Spectre, Hawkman, Sandman and the Atom. 

In the 57 issues the team appeared in )1940-1951), the roster expanded to include Wonder Woman (later revealed to be Diana's mother Hippolyta during the queen's brief stint as Wonder Woman in the 1990's), Starman, Dr. Mid-Nite, Johnny Thunder and his Thunderbolt, Wildcat, Black Canary, Mister Terrific, and Batman and Superman, though the latter were only honorary members during the 1940's. During their time together, the team fought such villains as Vandal Savage, the Fiddler, Solomon Grundy, Brainwave, Psycho-Pirate (the first one), Per Degaton, Gentlemen Ghost and the Injustice Society (consisting of Vandal Savage, Per Degaton, Brainwave, Fiddler, Wizard, Gambler and Thinker). 

After superheroes fell out of style at the end of the 1940's, there was a ten year gap period in which the team appeared in no comics, until the Flash (Jay Garrick's) appearance in the classic Flash story Flash #123 'Flash of Two Worlds'. After that, the fire was lite and the flame of the JSA was reignited. DC established that the JSA existed in an alternate dimension, called Earth-2, while their counterparts in the Justice League existed on Earth-1. Throughout the Silver Age of Comics, the JLA and JSA would team up in stories, often featuring villains from either or both of their worlds. The JSA also received their own title during this time, where new adventures featuring original team members and added members were told.

After the events of the multi DC storyline Zero Hour the JSA remained inactive as a team, though Flash, Green Lantern (renamed Sentinel) and Wildcat were reserve JLI (Justice League International) members. The team was then revived in 1997 for a four issue series, and then again in 1999, which had original team members and a new generation of heroes, successors to their friends original legacies, joining the team, with the book running from 1999-2006. The JSA was then revived again in 2006, with a new team being formed under the leadership of Flash, Wildcat and Alan Scott (having retaken the name Green Lantern). This series ran 2006 to August of 2011. 

And this brings us to now, and the new DC '52' book which has just released issue 1. I'm not going to spoil the storyline for those who haven't read in, but like with many of the other new comics, the heroes of that world have only appeared within the last five years. Here's a look at the cover to issue 1.

I've already bought and read my copy of 'Earth-2' and I loved it. I can't wait to see what direction this revamping of such a classic Golden Age group like JSA goes. For those out there who read and follow my blog, buy your copy of 'Earth-2' #1 today and keep your eyes peeled for the next issue which hits the stands on June 6. And you know what? Heck with it, here's the cover to issue 2, more incentive to get out there and there and get a copy.

Hope everyone is having a great summer! Keep reading and always, keep commenting!

'The Avengers' Review

I apologize, for not having written anything in so long. I must confess, that it is because there was nothing to write about, until now. Here is my review of Marvel Studios 'The Avengers'. I will not spoil anything plot wise, I will only give my honest review. 

I attended the midnight premier, and had no low expectations going in whatsoever. It was everything I had hoped and dreamed for and more. 

To start off, the casting was all excellent. I won't go into each individual actor's portrayal, that would take too long. Suffice it to say, Marvel Studio's knew what they were doing from the beginning. Each one delivered his/her character in a way that is both fantastic and amazing. Chris Evans IS Captain America, there is no doubt about that in my mind whatsoever. And RBJ (Robert Downey Jr.) if he were to ever get replaced as Tony Stark, I would personally fly to Burbank, just to punch the current head of Disney in the face for such a travesty . Robert, he brings that perfect amount of cockiness, utter asshole and yet also very humanness to Tony, making him jump off the comic page into the real world, almost as if he could be having a drink or upgrading the Iron Man armor in your basement. As for everyone else, they delivered themselves beautifully, I chose to focus on Captain America and Iron Man, because those are two of my most favorite Marvel characters. 

As for the action, the story, the everything else. All of it, amazing and so well done too. And the after credit scene, the one that hints at what is to come, just wow, literally nothing else can be said but wow. Never before has a film like this been made, and I doubt there ever will be again. Truly, the Avengers are Earths Mightiest Heroes. For everyone out there who reads this, I urge and implore you, if you have not yet seen this film, do so now. And if you have, please feel free to post comments on here, but no negative ones of any kind, or you shall be banned from here at once. 

Also, feel free to view the review of my mentor and friend Justice Carmon, who I saw the movie with. He is a great man, and he will examine the movie from a more philosophical/theological side since he is a minister. Here is the link to his blog: http://justicecarmon.blogspot.com/. 

On a final note, I give this film four out four stars, for excelling in everything, and delivering what it promised, a story, of heroes coming together, and saving the world. Take these words to heart though. they were the prologue for Avengers comics in the 1970's: "And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earths mightiest heroes found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, the Avengers were born- to fight foes no single hero could withstand! Through the years, their roster has prospered, changing many times, but their glory has never been denied! Heed the call, then- for now, Avengers Assemble!"

The Avengers have assembled my friends, and their story, the epic that is their lives, it has only just begun.